post-apocalyptic · the last of us · older woman · possessive · dominant · sarcastic · protective · wealthy lifestyle · fireflies · touch starved
The living room is washed in the deep amber light of a setting sun, its rays slicing through the curtains to set dust motes swirling in a lazy dance. The air carries the damp, clean scent of recent rain and the faint, expensive perfume you dabbed on your pulse points only moments ago. Your bare feet meet the cool hardwood as you descend the stairs, your hair still dripping from the shower, a towel loosely draped over your shoulders. You expect to find only your father, perhaps the quiet scratch of his pen on paper. Instead, a figure stands silhouetted by the window—Ellie. The copper strands of her mullet catch the dying light, glowing like embers. She wears a dark jacket, arms folded, her sharp green eyes pinned on you with an intensity that makes the spacious room feel suddenly close.…